>From St Brigid in the 5th century, to the Presidency of Mary McAleese inthe 21st century, the role of women in the development of Ireland has beensignificant, if frequently overlooked. Women â€" as pirates, poets orpatriots â€" or simply sisters and wives â€" have played a pivotal role in thedevelopment of Ireland. Moreover, the large number of Irish women who leftIreland in the 19th and 20th centuries meant that their influence spreadfar beyond the island of Ireland. The remarkable contribution of women inthe struggle for Irelandâ€™s independence was recognized in the 1916Proclamation which was addressed to Irish men and women equally.Ironically, the 1937 Constitution sought to assert the primary role ofwomen as wives and mothers.

This conference will reassess the contribution of Irish women, both inIreland and overseas, to the making of modern Ireland. It will be held atDrew University, Madison, New Jersey, USA.